Lead law testing of youth-sized ATVs delayed

February 1, 2011

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has held off on requiring third-party testing and certification of youth-sized ATVs for lead content until Nov. 27, the All-Terrain Vehicle Association (ATVA) reported.

The testing and certification is required under the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) of 2008, which is commonly called the “lead law.”

The CPSC is responsible for implementing the law, including accrediting laboratories to do the testing.

The CPSC earlier approved a stay of enforcement of the testing and certification requirement for kid-sized ATVs, which are designed for children age 12 and under, until Jan. 25. On Jan. 25, the commission extended the stay further, noting there are no accredited third-party testing facilities yet. The CPSC did say, however, that CPSC staff would conduct some testing.

Aimed at children's toys, the CPSIA also ensnared youth dirt bikes and ATVs because trace levels of lead can be found in parts such as batteries and brake calipers. Other children’s products are also affected, such as books, clothes and microscopes.